How Wide is Too Wide?

[robertk]

Hey guys - ATV racing newbie here in the Dallas area. Picked up a TRX450ER a couple of months ago, and it came with HD +3 front arms. The thing feels pretty darn wide, and I'm just wondering how wide is too wide. (I'm racing Cross Country)

Robert K.

[the predator]

IMO if you have +3's you are 6" too wide. stick around 46"

[conley 450r]

your to wide for XC

[mxdustinmx85]

Thats probally a good set up for MX, but a little to wide for XC

[powermadd400ex]

+2s alone is pushing it, but your best bet, is to grab some 4-1 wheels and throw on it.

[robertk]

Thanks for the good advice. The outside edge of my front tires (at the bottom) are measuring 51". Too wide, huh?

FYI, I got my a real reading on this width problem during the first CC race I ran 3 weeks ago - big ole tree just jumped right out in front of the left front wheel. Caved in the rim, flipped the bike - you all know the drill. Almost healed up.

[MAD450r]

I ride powerlines here out at 50inches n/p most tell me im too wide. I've yet to find a spot I cant fit through.

If you have ridden there before you can tell if your too wide or not. No matter what anyone says its you riding it.

My friends didn't believe me till I rode with them and they had trouble hanging with me and im legally blind out at 50 inches wide.

its opinion, yes sometimes there is narrow trails, but I have yet to find a way around them.

[Simon MX49]

I'll be the first to tell you you're 6 inches too wide. I had +2 3/4 JB LT's on my Yamaha and I raced 4 GNCC's on it last year. I smashed 3 bumpers in the 3 rounds I made it more than a mile into the track, damn clutches.

Go with stock width a-arms or +1s with 4 - 1 rims, you'll save yourself a lot of headache and if you're like me a lot of money in new bumpers

[BlaineKaiser450]

for recreational riding you would proably be fine but if you take XC seriously get some stock width a arms

[HondaRaceReady]

for recreational riding you would proably be fine but if you take XC seriously get some stock width a arms
Yeah, get some stock a-arms. I have a hard time fitting through trails on my stock width. I can barely keep up with the 400ex's. Also, I have an extra pair of new stock a-arms. PM me if you want them.

[robertk]

Thanks again for all the good advice guys. No doubt I'm way too wide - may try either the 1:4 offset wheels, or just put the stock arms back on.

Originally posted by Simon MX49
I'll be the first to tell you you're 6 inches too wide. I had +2 3/4 JB LT's on my Yamaha and I raced 4 GNCC's on it last year. I smashed 3 bumpers in the 3 rounds I made it more than a mile into the track, damn clutches.

Go with stock width a-arms or +1s with 4 - 1 rims, you'll save yourself a lot of headache and if you're like me a lot of money in new bumpers

well there was your 1st problem you were on a yamaha :D Racing XC 47" seems to be the max you want to go. Get make the front and rear evened out with 4:1 wheels. I think someone makes a +.5

[Simon MX49]

I have to agree. I race 4 GNCC's on my Yamaha last year, and DNFed 3 of them. The 2 I raced on my buddy's Yamaha I finished, but it just wasn't a good year.

I'd get the +1's with 4-1 rims, you'll be stock width but the longer a-arms will help a lilttle bit. I'm pretty sure Houser makes the +.5's

[d3ktrix]

Originally posted by robertk
Thanks again for all the good advice guys. No doubt I'm way too wide - may try either the 1:4 offset wheels, or just put the stock arms back on.

With +3 arms 4:1 wheels won't help all that much.
I run that setup for MX, around 49" wide.

Some +1's with 4:1's would probably suite you better.

[jpfmotors]

HERES MY 2 CENTS WHEN YOU MEASURE YOUR QUAD WIDTH IN FRONT MAKE SURE THE A ARMS ARE AS STRAIGHT AS POSSIBLE WICTH WILL MAKE YOUR QUAD THE WIDEST SO WHEN YOUR BRAKING INTO A CORNER IN THE WOODS GOING THROUGH TREES YOUR QUADS AT THE WIDEST, YOU WANT YOUR QUAD AROUND 47 INCHES THATS WHAT I RUN HERE IN NEW ENGLAND THE WOODS ARE TIGHT, HOPE THAT MAKES SENCE.

[maverick8m]

what year 450r? would u wanna sell the a-arms im looking to get some for mine soon. i have a 2004 450r.